We hear from Flowcrete on how to specify the correct resin system for any application. GET IT RIGHT
Resin floor finishes have become popular thanks to their ability to provide design versatility and a rapid application alongside critical functionality and longevity properties.
However, there is a long list of different resin chemistries available and sometimes it’s not immediately obvious which type of system will best suit the task at hand.
Whether it’s an epoxy, polyurethane (PU), methyl methacrylate (MMA), hybrid or specialist system, each type of resin floor has different characteristics suited to particular uses. Choosing the wrong solution can result in costly repairs or complete failures down the line.
Two of the most common, epoxies and polyurethanes, share some key similarities in terms of application and speed of cure. Both are two-component systems (a resin and a hardener) that when brought together undergo a process of stoichiometric curing to form a solid layer. In both cases this results in a seamless, impervious coating that can be installed quickly in large quantities.
The main difference between these two materials is in the molecular structure. PUs have a higher cross-linked density than epoxies, making them the harder wearing material. Thanks to this, PU systems have long been associated with strength, durability and resilience when faced with challenging conditions, such as heavy footfall, physical impacts, extreme temperatures and corrosive chemicals. PU systems are therefore well suited to industrial facilities, where floors are likely to face these issues on a daily basis.
Epoxies on the other hand are more rigid in terms of structure and cannot tolerate intense heat as well. Some epoxy coatings are heat resistant to temperatures up to 65°C, whereas PU Concrete systems are available that can tolerate 120°C.
At this point it might seem like PU is the superior option, however what they give in durability they typically take away in versatility and aesthetics. Epoxies can be very easily adapted for a wide variety of environments and are available in a much wider range of colours and styles.
Unless there is a specific challenge or requirement for a PU, there will more than likely be a cheaper, less labour- intensive epoxy that is up to the task at hand, and which can do so in bright and glossy tones, glittering light reflective surfaces or multi-toned swirling shades.
PU systems tend to be thicker and heavier than epoxies, which is great for absorbing impacts and thermal shock, but if weight and space is an issue then epoxies offer a thinner and lighter option.
Just to confuse issues further, when talking about PU it’s important to bear in mind that there are different types. There are full PU “liquid vinyl” type floors, which are great for creating soft surfaces underfoot due to the elastic nature of PU. However more common are PU deck coatings like you’d see in car parks as well as PU concrete systems, which are the most failure resistant type of resin flooring available.
MMAs are different as they consist of a methacrylic ester combined with an organic peroxide, typically benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The organic peroxide acts as a catalyst and instead of creating a cross linked matrix (like
18 | SCREEDS, RESINS & COATINGS
epoxies and PUs) it fuses into a solid monolithic mass.
The main benefit of this type of resin chemistry is its rapid rate of cure – which reduces the curing time down from the days or weeks of traditional resins to a mere hour or two. MMAs are therefore very popular when there is a limited application window.
As previously mentioned, the versatility of resins should not be understated. For example, two-component epoxy and polyurethane systems can be very drastically changed just by making subtle changes to one or both of the components. Additionally, different resins can be used together to create hybrid systems (such as polyurea or polyaspartic) that combine the various benefits and properties of each chemistry type.
To make sure that the resin in question will meet all the application, design, operational and lifecycle requirements, make sure to talk through the project’s criteria with the manufacturer to determine its suitability.
www.flowcrete.co.uk https://www.flowcrete.co.uk/
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